The Croatian association "Putokaz za Afriku" has been tirelessly operating in Rwanda for the seventh consecutive year, providing much-needed aid to children and their families in educational institutions. The association supports 11 schools and 9 kindergartens, and throughout its work, it has provided assistance to over 7,000 children. The mission of the association extends far beyond basic aid – it represents hope and an opportunity for a better tomorrow for children who find themselves in a difficult life situation. This year, a particularly significant project was the equipping of a house for needy girls who have been left without parental care, and this project is an important step toward ensuring better living conditions for those who are the most vulnerable.

Reconstruction and equipping of the house for girls

The association "Putokaz za Afriku" has dedicated the last three years to purchasing, reconstructing, and equipping a house for girls who have been left without parental care. The goal of this house is to provide a safe and stable home for girls who find themselves in particularly difficult circumstances. Funded exclusively by earmarked donations and selfless contributions from donors, this house represents the largest project of the association in Rwanda to date. Providing a safe environment, food, clothing, and hygiene supplies for the girls is just the beginning; the association also works on providing emotional support and educational opportunities that will help the girls build a better future.

As explained by Elizabeth Suzana Kozina, the president of the association "Putokaz za Afriku," the entire process involved many challenges, but also priceless moments of joy. "We have submitted all the necessary documentation to obtain the work permit, and we hope to welcome the first girls soon. Our mission is not only to provide them with basic necessities like clothing and food but also to ensure a sense of belonging, safety, and warmth in a home they desperately need. The project itself is a symbol of our dedication to children and our belief that every child deserves a chance for a normal and happy life, despite the difficult circumstances they have found themselves in," said Kozina.

Expansion of activities: Support for local schools and kindergartens

"Putokaz za Afriku" continues its mission through direct support for schools and kindergartens in Rwanda. During a two-week stay this year, association members visited about twenty educational institutions, where they were greeted by smiling faces of children, dancers, and teachers filled with hope. This help goes far beyond donating school supplies or food; it brings hope and motivation to children and their families, reminding them that they are not alone. The needs of school children in Rwanda are often much greater than we can imagine – many of them come from families that cannot afford basic things like notebooks, pencils, or school clothes. The help we provide, which may seem small to us, is invaluable to these children, as it allows them to continue their education and gain knowledge.

The deputy governor of the Muhanga district, Mugabo Gilbert, highlighted the crucial importance of this partnership for the educational system in his district. "The support from the 'Putokaz za Afriku' association has enabled 7,323 children to continue their education, despite the poor financial conditions of their families. The food program organized by the association ensures that children get at least one quality meal a day, and this fact has a great impact on their education because healthy and well-fed children are much more successful in school and much more motivated to continue their studies," Gilbert stated.

Support from volunteers worldwide

The association's project has also received support from numerous volunteers from Croatia, whose selfless contributions are key to the success of such initiatives. This year, Jelena from Zagreb traveled to Rwanda, where she had the opportunity to meet her godchild for the first time. The meeting with her godchild was a particularly emotional moment, filled with joy, anticipation, and a bit of uncertainty. Jelena explains that all her fears disappeared when she first hugged her godchild, and the feeling she had can be described as the feeling of meeting her fourth child. "I was filled with joy, but also with fear of how the child would accept me, how they would react to my arrival. But everything went better than I expected, and I will remember that moment for the rest of my life," says Jelena.

In addition to Jelena, other volunteers and association members also traveled to Rwanda, and all of them emphasize how important it is to directly participate in missions on the ground. Volunteering of this type opens eyes and helps understand how important it is to help those who are the most vulnerable. The way children react to every smile, every hug, and every donation inspires and motivates volunteers to continue their work and efforts for a better future for children in Rwanda.

Eric Munini - a success story

Eric Munini, the first godchild of the association who graduated and obtained a bachelor's degree in communications, is a success story that inspires everyone involved in the mission of the "Putokaz za Afriku" association. Munini emphasizes how important godparenting is and how it can change a child's life. "Thanks to the support I received from the association, I had the opportunity to complete my education and obtain higher education. Without their help, neither I nor many others would have been able to even dream of an education. For many of us, education was a distant wish, and now, thanks to the help we received, we can build the future we deserve," says Munini. This is just one of many stories that demonstrate the tremendous impact the association has on the lives of children in Rwanda.

New initiative to improve children's nutrition

One of the new initiatives that the association will implement next year involves setting up rabbit cages in schools that cooperate with the association. In this way, children will have the opportunity to have a meal that includes meat at least once a week, which will significantly improve the nutritional value of their diet. Currently, children's nutrition in Rwanda is mainly based on carbohydrates, and meat and proteins are often a luxury that most children can rarely afford. This project will significantly contribute to healthier growth and development of the children, and will also provide them with the opportunity to learn about sustainable animal farming, promoting awareness of the importance of self-sustainability and local food production.

Additionally, the "Putokaz za Afriku" association plans to collaborate with local communities to help ensure even more food and other basic necessities for the most vulnerable groups of children. Increasing the number of donors and involving more people in the godparenting program are key to the continued success of these initiatives, as every donor and every godparent ensures better conditions for one child, directly impacting the improvement of their future.

Mission completion and future plans

The final day of the mission in Rwanda was marked by a fun event with children from the Cycaro school, with the popular dance Rim Tim Tagi Dim, an event that brought smiles to the faces of numerous boys and girls. A video of this dance quickly spread on social media, going viral, and support was shown by many famous people. This simple joy was a reminder of the importance of unity and solidarity and how crucial it is to share positive moments, especially with those who are the most vulnerable.

Additionally, an official song of the association is in preparation, and all the proceeds from its broadcast will be directed towards further needs of children in Africa. Music has the power to connect people, and this song will be a symbol of hope, love, and unity – values that the "Putokaz za Afriku" association promotes daily through its work. In this way, the association wants to involve as many people as possible in its mission, not only as donors but also as supporters who will contribute to this noble initiative through music and joy.

The "Putokaz za Afriku" association was founded in 2018 in Slavonski Brod by Elizabeth Suzana Kozina and Slavica Gašparović, after they visited Africa for the first time. Since then, the association has changed the lives of thousands of children in Rwanda. More than 7,000 children have received the opportunity for education, and more than 4 tons of clothing, toys, hygiene supplies, and school supplies have been secured through targeted donations. The association continues to invite all interested parties to join this mission, either through donations or by taking up godparenting, so that support can continue to be provided to those who need it the most. Every bit of help, regardless of its size, can make a difference and bring a smile to the face of a child who is longing for a chance at a better life.

For more information: www.putokazzaafriku.com or contact info@putokazzaafriku.com